He alleges he was behind the spoof Twitter account - KP Genius - sending up Pietersen's personality in the third person, which was closed down after the England batsman was perturbed some of his team-mates followed it.

But Bailey said on Twitter: "Yes the parody was me. It was for humour purposes only and as soon as I realised it was upsetting people i took it down.

"No professional cricketers were involved in it. I apologise if I upset anyone. It's not the business I'm in.

"I would also like to apologise to anyone I know involved with England Cricket who I may have put in an awkward or embarrassing position.

"At the end of the day I'm an England Cricket fan. When I saw it was potentially causing harm & upsetting folk, I shut it down."